Paul Hyland Jnr is under no illusions ahead of his ring return on Saturday night against David Birmingham.

Birmingham (6-1) was drafted in as a late replacement for Floyd Moore who was forced to retire from boxing in the build-up to his Belfast appearance.

It has been a rollercoaster few weeks for Hyland Jnr.

He was recently installed as mandatory challenger for current British lightweight champion Lewis Ritson, and then his scheduled opponent for Saturday's 'Collision' show at the Europa Hotel fell through.

Moore - a Southern Area champion from Fareham in England - felt unwell after a spar with World featherweight champion Lee Selby and was taken to hospital.

And after a series of brain scans he was forced to retire, not only from the Belfast fight, but from boxing completely.

Read More

Now undefeated Hyland Jnr (17-0) will take on the equally talented Birmingham of Portsmouth who had been training alongside Moore in preparation for this crossroads fight at the Europa.

"It is a new opponent but my focus remains the same," Hyland Jnr said.

"This has been a crazy few weeks for me, but I am a professional and have kept my mind on the job in hand.

"I am absolutely gutted for Floyd Moore, I know how much this opportunity meant to him but with time he will have a full recovery with many great memories from the sport."

Appearing on Saturday's undercard will see the return of Dublin lightweight Jay Byrne as the takes on Belfast’s James Gorman, while the talented Vladimir Belujsky is in a good looking contest with Iain Jackson of London.

“The news about Floyd Moore has been devastating for all concerned," said promoter Mark Dunlop.

"I would like to thank Paul McLean (A McLean Bookmakers) and Eddie Hearn (Matchroom Boxing) who have stepped in to save the show, but a special mention must be for David Birmingham who has risen to the short notice challenge."